Rev. Lois Williams
Rev. Lois Williams
Rev. Lois Williams
March 31, 1922 – December 2, 2016
Eddyville, Iowa | Age 94
Rev. Lois Williams, age 94, of rural Eddyville, Iowa, passed away Friday morning, December 2, 2016, at the Serenity House of Oskaloosa. Lois Evelyn Hall, the daughter of John and Lois Elizabeth (Duckles) Hall, was born on March 31, 1922, at her parent’s home in rural Chesterfield, Illinois.
Lois attended country school near the farm, in Chesterfield. In 1938, at the age of sixteen, Lois Evelyn Hall became an ordained minister and began her lifelong journey for God. Two years later she graduated from Jerseyville High School.
After high school Lois and Wayne Mason Williams began to date. They fell in love and made plans for after he served his country. After Wayne began his service Lois helped a friend move to Eddyville, Iowa. Lois was asked to stay and help minister to the youth. Lois said yes, and she never left the area.
In late October of 1945 William was honorably discharged from service. Lois and he went straight to Des Moines and purchased a car from the money that Lois had saved from Wayne’s many love letters that included his service pay. They drove to Illinois and on October 31, 1945, in Marshall, Illinois, Lois and Wayne were united in marriage.
Lois and Wayne shared many blessings in their marriage. They were blessed with six children: Jerry Lee, Linda Jean, Shirley Marie, Mary Beth, Douglas Edward, and Ron E. They also shared their lives with and were foster parents to 32 children. Lois and Wayne were also blessed with 39 years of marriage. Wayne died on February 4, 1985.
Lois was active all her life. While being a minister to many she also received Education in Religion from Vennard College and Educational Instruction from William Penn College. While raising her family, Lois worked for many years with the Highway Commission in Mahasla County, later she worked many times at the Mahaska County Hospital and also Superior Ideal.
Lois was a lifelong volunteer. She donated food, time, love, passion, and dedication to any function she attended or helped with over many years.
Lois is survived by her children: Linda Jean Peterson of Ottumwa, Shirley Marie Peiffer of Oskaloosa, Mary Beth (& Steve) Northcutt of Lynnville, Iowa, Douglas Edward (& Joan) Williams of Danville, Iowa, Ron E. (& Danna) Williams of Albia; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Wayne Mason Williams; her son, Jerry Lee Williams; son-in-law, Orval Peterson; two sisters: Elizabeth Hall in infancy and Leatha Fearno; and one brother in infancy, John Haden.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the Eddyville United Methodist Church. The Eddyville Funeral Chapel is assisting Lois’ family with services.
Visitation for Lois will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at the Eddyville Funeral Chapel. Lois’ family will be greeting friends from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Tuesday evening.
Burial will follow services at Pleasant Corners Cemetery in rural Eddyville.
To honor Lois’ love for God, and her lifelong service to others, all donations will be used to establish an annual complimentary community meal to support local individuals in need.
